3 comments about More Silver Wings, Pinks & Greens: An Expanded Study of USAS, USAAC, & USAAF Uniforms, Wings & Insignia ¥ 1913-1945 Including Civilian Auxiliaries.

1. It seems to date that the author Jon A. Maguire can do no wrong whenever he decides to commit pen to paper. Yet again we have a title that is truly exhaustive in it's coverage of the topic without becoming staid and condescending. Each page is full of highly detailed photographs that describe and illustrate the items perfectly for the collector. His text is articulate, informative and detailed.

   If the American Army Air Forces from the period covered are of interest to you then I can offer you know more words of advice other than buy this book. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I have.




2. It really is something of a rare event these days when someone writes a scholarly reference work that rapidly becomes a benchmark for others to aspire to, but Jon Maguire just keeps on doing it.

   Keep em coming, keep em flying!




3. This is an extension of the authors first book, Silver Wings, Pinks and Greens. The section on pilot and aircrew wings is once again outstanding. Any serious collector of WWII wings and insignia must add this book to their library. Highly recommended!!

5 comments about Antique Typewriters & Office Collectibles: Identification & Value Guide.

1. Both veteran and beginners alike will enjoy Darryl Rehr's book on antique typewriters. The best feature is of course the pictures that are generally very crisp and in color. The short descriptions of each model are useful as well. This work is a handy reference, and after collecting typewriters for twenty years, I find myself always referring to it. However, as with most collector books of this type, one must use the information contained here with some reservation. For instance, nothing is footnoted, and that is a particular problem if one wishes to check information when performing research. Footnotes are sometimes the most interesting feature of a work because they can provide useful cross-references and leads to other sources that one may not have thought of. The second problem, and again this is to be expected with most collector's books, is that the prices cited for scarcer items are inaccurate even for 1997. Typewriters may not be as popular as baseball cards or antique furniture, but there is an international market for them to which prices are set. In fact, one typewriter listed as worth $5,000.00 was actually, in 1997 prices, worth at least $15,000.00 and in today's market valued between $20,000.00 and $33,000.00! My point here is that though this work is useful, and I would recommend it to anyone interested in the subject, buyers should be aware that this is only a guide and that if he or she has a typewriter to sell, it may be wise to check beyond these pages and contact the many collectors out there for accurate pricing information (like the ones listed in the acknowledgements section at the front of the book).



2. I thought this book was great, regarding some complaints about price guide: It is impossible to place a standard market value on typewriters. why? 1) the market is far too small, they are not like baseball cards or comic books
   2) there are only a few that are actually considered rare, i cannot tell you how many olivers or underwoods i've seen listed as: "very rare"
   prices are are determined by the individual collector. example:
   i happen to like the old maroon portables, mainly royals, this means that to me they are worth more than say the more rare royal flat-bed. they are, however far from "rare".
   there were something like 600,000 underwood no.5's made.
   most of them seem to be around...



3. WHO WOULD WANT THIS BOOK

   Anyone that like typewriters, is nostalgic about them, collects them or can't afford to collect them (space-wise or money-wise). This lovely book contains pictures and brief descriptions of old typewriters -- there are many beautiful and crisp photos and some brief descriptions. There's also a small appendix with other office machines (calculators, pencil sharpeners, etc).

   WHAT'S NICE ABOUT THIS BOOK

   The pictures. Definitely the pictures. I could never tire looking at them.

   WHAT'S NOT NICE ABOUT THIS BOOK

   It's hard to criticise what is clearly a work of love. Some people mentioned that the prices are off. But I would like to focus on other aspects; Perhaps some of these can be fixed in further editions:

   - There's very little treatment of foreign typewriters. This is a pity because different languages posed different mechanical challenges to typewriter manufacturers and it's nice to see how they overcame those difficulties. It's also nice to see other alphabets. :)

   - It would have been nice to include a sample of the text produced by each typewriter. Just to see the various typefaces. An index of typefaces/typewriters and their samples could have been nice to have as an appendix, so that people could match samples they have (old letters, notes, etc) with the typewriters that could have possibly been used to write them.

   - A bit more prose -- a more thorough description of the mechanical aspects of these machines would have been a nice thing to have.




4. 175 pages with more than 400 beautiful, sharp, full color photos of everything from typewriters to ribbon tins, early calculators, pencil sharpeners, and more. Gives the history of typewriters, information on rating conditions, restoring and shipping typewriters. A very interesting and useful reference. The value guide prices could be updated, but the basic information presented is still very helpful.



5. "Antique Typewriters & Office Collectibles" is an essential guide for both the serious and casual collector. Hundreds of beautiful color photographs allow for quick identification of different brands and models while the text provides interesting histories. The only flaw concerns the pricing guide, which is reliable in terms of relative (but not actual) values. Many of the typewriters pictured are currently selling for upwards of five times the prices quoted by Mr. Rehr. (For example, I recently sold a model valued at $10 by the book for more than $60.)

   Without "Antique Typewriters," however, the universe of typewriter collecting would be even more chaotic than it already is. Highly recommended.

1 comments about Royal Delft: A Guide to De Porceleyne Fles (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

1. Royal Delft: A Guide to De Porceleyne Fles (Schiffer Book for Collectors)An excellent book for anyone interested in collecting ortiginal delft plates, etc.

5 comments about The Gold-Plated Porsche: How I Sank a Small Fortune into a Used Car, and Other Misadventures.

1. I enjoyed this book. As a car guy and a new Porsche owner, it was a pleasant, rambling account of a restoration project and lot's of tangential life's learnings. Certainly not very technical, but technical enough to make it interesting for me, this was a book I read in a few evenings. It kept a smile on my face, and it kept me relatively engaged. The author writes well, and spins a decent yarn. Per the title of this review - reminds me simply of a (rather long) well-written article you'd find in any top-notch car magazine. No hesitation in recommending this book - but don't look for a detailed account of a technical restoration... that's not what it's supposed to be.



2. I was a bit mislead by the title of this book, particularly the part of the title: "...How I Sank a Small Fortune into a Used Car...".
   
   The Amazon review states that the author spent $60k on his car, whereas the author repeatedly states he spent $70k on his car restoration. This discrepency isn't really the issue, what I was hoping for was some description of what exactly the author bought and spent $70k on during the restoration. I am planning on restoring a vintage Porsche myself and was hoping this book would shed some light on various pitfalls I may want to avoid.
   
   Of the 20 or so chapters in this book I'd say about 15 were dedicated to personal stories about the author and his illustrious career, and only 5 chapters to stories actually related to the Porsche he restored.
   
   After reading this book I feel like I got to know the author quite well but not his Porsche. It was a delightful series of stories and I did enjoy the book, yet it wasn't what I thought it was going to be. I found the cover and title of this book to be misleading.
   
   Not a bad book at all, just not what I was expecting.



3. Wilkinson is a true character and he spins his experiences in restoring a pseudo-classic Porsche 911 (okay, to a true Porsche nut they're all classics) into an entertaining tail. He's an amusing cross between Tim Allen's character from Home Improvement and that uncle your parents don't talk about much because of the nutty things he's done. Strangely these characteristics endear you to him and as a pilot and aircraft owner I enjoyed (and frequently cringed at) his diversions into his experiences as a pilot and aviation editor. Speaking of this the book is rich with diversions into other aspects of his life tangential (or not) to the car project. For some this adds a lot and in general I enjoyed these but I could see where some might find it too fragmented and distracting. Overall though his series of life experiences, including those directly related to the books primary subject matter make for a fun and interesting read.
   
   He's clearly an individual for whom there is no substitute for hands-on experience and the process is more important than the end goal. He articulates well what he's learned and, while the book is not bogged down with technical details, he discusses enough of these to keep a gear-head reasonably happy. No one would restore a car using this book as a manual but there's definitely something here for the technically inclined.
   
   All in all it's a pretty easy and light read and a lot of fun. Perfect as a weekend read for the Porsche fan but with, I think, much broader appeal than that (general car nuts, pilots, those interested in 60's civil disobedience, etc.).



4. Before I even opened the book, a question came to mind. Why buy a Porsche? I have a number of buyer's guides and when I read them I am amazed that the company is still in business. How can they survive selling a car which has a leaking sunroof for 20 years??? German engineering is good, why can't they fix that quickly? Anyway, one buys a Porsche because it is a PORSCHE! That is what I got from the book. I did wished he had talked more about the car than other stories but the man obviously has a very full life.
   Those cars have quirks and need a lot of care. If you are going to buy one, don't spend all your money on the purchase of it since you will need a lot for maintenance. Learn to be a mechanic too. If you want a reliable automobile that won't need to be the center of your attention, buy a Toyota. What is the fun in that? This book helped me see more what Porsches are about, PASSION!!!!!!!



5. I really enjoyed reading this book. There are probably a ton of readers and car-nuts out there who can sympathize with Wilkinson's view while laughing at the way it is told. The Gold-Plated Porsche is a fantastic read.

5 comments about Titanic: Fortune and Fate : Letters, Mementos, and Personal Effects from Those Who Sailed on the Lost Ship.

1. seeing personal items that belong to people who lost their life in such a tragic way,really touch my heart.we sometime forget they were just people like us.who had dreams and families.



2. This book is great for a quick read on the Titanic. The pictures are wonderful and filled with interesting captions. Also, there are brief anecdotes, such as the story behind Mr. Astor's watch. The book discreetly handles such a terrible human tragedy.



3. This is one of the best White Star Line Titanic books I own. As a Titaniac I find the pages of this book to be seen many, many times. Having been to the touring exhibit in Norfolk, and the exhibit at The Mariners Museum I appreciated the effort. This would make one want to visit The Orlando, FL musuem instead of those other things like Universal, or Disney World. Any Titanic, Olympic, or Britannic enthusiast would love this book to add to his/her collection.



4. There isn't much to say about the amazing book exept that throught the words and photos of the passangers' letters, diaries, quotes, tickets, staterooms, clothing, ect.; you get an exellent feeling of who was on the Titanic, not just a group as a whole, but you begin to know them as individuals.
   Believe me, this "Fortune" is one exellent investment!!![...]



5. This book must adorn your bookshelf if you are a serious Titanic fan. The book contains everything from a complete passenger list, tantilizing facts and amazing pictures of artifacts that will make any "Titanic-maniac" feel like they're owning the real thing!

   As you read the book, you can't help but feel as though you've been transported back to 1912 and feel a part of history...

   This book is definately a keeper, Good Work!

1 comments about Worlds of Thomas Jefferson At Monticello.

1. If you are interested in Thomas Jefferson or Monticello, this is a terrific book. Over 150 of Jefferson's personal possessions are photographed and documented with detailed explanations and provenance of the items. Covered are varied objects such as works of art, china, portraits, scientific instruments, natural history specimens, and personal objects. This book really illustrates how varied Jefferson's interests were. A very fascinating book!

4 comments about Presidential Dollars 2007: Complete Philadelphia and Denver Mint Collection.

1. I had bought the Statehood Quarters book from this same company before, and was happy with it so I searched for one for the Presidential Dollars. I just wish that it had shown the inside of the book because I didn't know you have to have a dollar from each mint to fill the book. I do like how there is a plastic cover to go over the coins to protect them from fingerprints.



2. PAGES CAN BE RE-ARRANGED IN ANY ORDER. BLANK PAGES CAN BE PURCHASED AND ADDED (UP TO A TOTAL OF 7 PAGES) HOLDS BOTH P & D MINTS. COINS ARE EASY TO INSERT AND CAN VIEWED FROM BOTH SIDES.



3. I got this for my husband, and he is thrilled with it as he wanted both the Philadelpia and Denver mints. It's also a very attractive and easy-to-use album.



4. I am a coin collector and this brochure accomodates each year and mint until the end of this coinage. It is of good quality construction and includes clear sleaves to protect the coins. If you are a serious coin collector and wish to display and protect your uncirculated presidential dollar collection this is the album for you.

3 comments about Louis Icart: The Complete Etchings.

1. I started collected Icart sketches a few years ago. This book is FABULOUS. It breaks down his work by periods. The pages are full of his sketches / year created / little tid bits regarding them. The reproduced works are full color (though I love love love the black and white sketches) and just beautiful. At the end of the book is a short glimpse of other artists whose work was during the same time, making comparison easy.
   
   If you like Icart -- this book is a HAVE TO HAVE!



2. The book gets bigger and better with each new edition. The latest revision just came out in July, 2002. There are about 600 pictures and all are in color. It is by far the most complete book on Louis Icart.



3. Anyone remotely interested in the work of French artist and illustrator Louis Icart, will be impressed by the comprehensive presentation of his etchings. The colour printing is excellent, and in chronological order one can see the development of his career, his charming females in various fashion garments of the period, and also nude, curiously rival the work of Australian artist Norman Lindsay, although Linday's nudes are of the buxom variety, and perhaps more agressive than sleek French models whom Icart make so decorative. Icart is firmly in the tradition of great French Art, after painters like Boucher and Watteau. My only small regret there was not more text about Icart, but this is a book of pictures and as such a recommended reference work.

2 comments about 200 Years of Political Campaign Collectibles.

1. I really enjoyed this book, but I am biased towards it. I noticed that I was mentioned in the acknowledments and appear with Tim Hagan and his actress wife, Kate Mulgrew on page 121.
   As always, Mark Warda, out did himself. Keep the books coming.
   Kurt Hurner



2. My principal collecting interests are British and US political collectibles. 19th Century political cartoons, modern satirical itemes, glass and ceramics in particular. For examples see:
   
   http://mysite.verizon.net/vze48sdz/
   
   Roughly 1 page is devoted to non US items - this book is otherwise dedicated to the US. The page that is there is very superficial.
   
   The book provides examples of many types of campaign items (e.g. posters, ceramics and toys), the area covered in most detail is campaign pins. Official, unofficial and anti (anti Bush, Clinton, War .... etc). The books coverage of pins is very comprehensive. To me, pins are the least interesting of campaign items. I was a little disappointed when I first flicked through the book.
   
   On reflection I changed my mind. Why five stars?
   - scope of book is ambitious, it dooes provide examples through 200 years.
   - valuations of items are current.
   - handy reference. All canditates/parties are listed for each election.
   - illustrations are high quality.
   
   There are very few books dedicated to collecting political collectibles. I will find this book of great use.

1 comments about Price Guide to Collectible Pin-Back Buttons, 1896-1986.

1. I've owned this book since I met Ted Hake at a pinback show in the early 90's. What a great help it's been in evauluating my collection. With pictures of every pin to help me identify them, it has been a convenient tool. I am also impressed with the extent of knowledge about pin manufacturers, paper inserts, and other related items. The pinback button collector should not be without this book !